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Parker Wolfe's Best Marks
Mile - 4:16.61
2 Mile - 9:17
5k - 14:30* Colorado Record
5k - 14:26
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Q)Talk about the recruitment process - what other schools were you looking at, and how did you come to choosing the University of North Carolina?
I was looking very seriously at a few other schools such as Stanford, Georgetown, and Duke. One of the main reasons I chose the University of North Carolina was due to the bond I had with Coach Miltenberg and Coach Sorenson. I felt like they cared more about the team's well-being than other places did. I have never seen someone as passionate about coaching as Coach Miltenberg. Every phone call I had with him made me feel like they were building something special over at UNC. That was something I knew I wanted to be a part of in college.
Q) What do you plan to study at North Carolina?
I plan to study PreMed at North Carolina. Both of my parents are Physical Therapists, which inspired me to want to follow in their footsteps into the medical field.
Q) What event do you see yourself focusing on at North Carolina?
The event I see myself in is the 8k and 10k. I have always had a desire for longer distances and believe I will thrive in those events as I enter college.
Q) You've had success in every event from the 1,600 on up to the 5k - what would you say your favorite event is, and why?
My favorite event is definitely the 5k during cross-country season. I feel I have had the most success in that event, as well as the most experience. I have been able to race in the 5k at places like Balboa Park in San Diego, which I haven't experienced in the 1,600m or the 3,200m events.
Q) You've consistently made gains each year across every event - what would say attributed to such consistent improvements?
I believe the most crucial aspect that contributed to my consistent gains is summer training and nutrition. The summer running camp that my coaches put together every year from early June to July is crucial for attaining the physical shape you want before the season begins.
Additionally, nutrition is a significant part of my success. Without a balanced diet, it is challenging to maintain good workouts and races throughout the season.
Q) The first result we have on you on MileSplit is a 12:57 (3,500), 61st-place finish at the Colorado Middle School Cross Country Championships in October of 2015 - what do you remember from this competition?
My friend Jake Sheykhet, who now runs for Grandview High School, decided to train with me for this race when we were in seventh grade. Unfortunately, he got sick just before the competition, so I had to go alone. I remember feeling incredibly nervous on the starting line, and as the gun went off, realizing how fast everybody was starting the race. It was an excellent first experience in a cross-country type race, which ultimately led me to run my freshman year of high school.
Q) What got you interested in competing in XC/Track in the first place?
Back in middle school, I started doing some smaller 5k races around the city. After a few of these races, I realized that I was a pretty decent runner. Since I was a baseball player in the Spring, I didn't have a sport to do in the fall. My mom suggested I join cross-country since I developed an enjoyment for it. After an exciting fall cross-country season, I didn't want to leave the team in the Spring for baseball. Once I decided to participate in Track, I never looked back.
Q) Favorite book, musical artist, and movie - GO:
My favorite artist would have to be Khalid. I listen to him almost every day and attended his concert back in July last year. As for my favorite movie and book, I would say the Maze Runner for both. I loved the book when I read it in middle school, and when the movie came out, it was just as good.
Q) What would your favorite high school moment be?
One of my favorite high school moments was when our cross-country took a trip to Arizona for the Desert Twilight Distance Festival. It was my freshman year, so I hadn't experienced a trip like this before. It was a fantastic experience because we went home with a first-place trophy, and I had a new PR for the season. The trip made me realize how much of a benefit altitude training was and what it felt like to be a winning team.
